Furore over ‘Sol car wash’

'This is happening in broad daylight - the three so-called ‘entrepreneurs’ are not at all phased by the fact that this is being done right in front of the entrance to the municipality where everyone has to go in and out.'

CAR WASH: A car being washed outside the front steps of the Sol Plaatje Civic Centre.

A FURORE has erupted after photographs emerged of cars being washed outside the front steps of the Sol Plaatje Civic Centre.

“Is this Kimberley’s latest car wash?” one irate resident asked, pointing out that the area where the car was being washed was demarcated as a loading zone.

“This is happening in broad daylight – the three so-called ‘entrepreneurs’ are not at all phased by the fact that this is being done right in front of the entrance to the municipality where everyone has to go in and out.”

She pointed out that there were always security guards sitting in the front portal of the building. “The security guards are always sitting and eating right there. They simply ignore what is happening right here under their noses.”

The resident pointed out that it appeared that both officials working at the civic centre and members of the public made use of the car wash.

“Is this now a legal wash-bay?” the resident asked, questioning also whether those washing the cars were also in the municipality’s employ and what the cost was for a “wash”.

“These guys are using the water from the taps at the municipality – they don’t even have to pay for overheads.”

Municipal spokesperson Sello Matsie said in response that those washing the cars, despite the fact that they were wearing Sol Plaatje-branded clothes, were not employed by the municipality.

“This is illegal and should not be allowed in the municipality’s car park. Both members of the public and municipal employees must wash their cars at home or take them to a proper car wash,” he added.

Matsie stated that the necessary steps would be taken to ensure the practice was stopped immediately.